Erik Elvejord, spokesman for the cruise line, said 20 of the more than 2000 crew and passengers on the Veendam have gastrointestinal illness.

He said the cruise line has dealt with similar levels of sickness before.

"Normally when we see this sort of thing, you can see a pattern and things have sort of flattened out on us and we haven't had too many cases in the last day and a half, which is a good sign. That just means the efforts and folks on board are washing their hands and being extra careful and it helps for everybody on board," he said.

Holland America lines has notified Health Canada.

The Cape Breton District Health Authority said it is not concerned about illness on the ship.Spokesman Greg Boone said sick passengers are confined to their rooms and will not be disembarking.

The cruise line has turned the hot tub off and encouraged thorough hand washing to help keep the illness from spreading.